Thoughts about Christa:

Eric/Dad

Christa Danielle VanDerhoof: November 1, 1997-April 26, 2013 - With heavy hearts we had to say "Good-bye" to our beloved Christa…our daughter, sister, dancer, dreamer, and friend. She passed away on Friday, April 26th, due to complications from an intestinal illness she had been battling for the past couple of years.
Not only did she bring great joy to our family during her short 15 years with us, but the last couple of days have revealed the profound impact our sweet angel had on everyone who met her. Living up to her namesake, our "Little Christ", has been remembered for her love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in the notes of encouragement we have received from those who were touched by Christa. The tremendous outpouring of love and support during our time of grief gives great testimony that not only did she know Jesus, but He knew her. Christa's love for God was truly lived out in her love for others. Now she has been called to heaven to worship our Savior face to face. While we already miss her greatly, we were blessed by the time we had with Christa. We look forward to the day when we will dance with her in heaven. So…this is not "Good-bye", but rather, "See you soon!" We love you, and we know you loved us!

Jonathan/brother

Usually known as just 'one of six' kids, Christa was truly one of kind. Graceful, loving, artistic, gorgeous and always thinking of others...it was almost like she wasn't a VanDerhoof ;). Just a week ago she created a Facebook group called 'Prayer Wall' to receive prayer requests for others even in the painful condition she was in!

A wizard in the kitchen, Christa would somehow make gluten and dairy-free meals that tasted better than the usual thing (And even McDonald's :0 ). Whenever she noticed someone was sad, she would go out of her way to cheer them up with a smile or joke. She longed for the day she could travel abroad, visit Paris and see the Eiffel tower. Most importantly, she put the 'C' in 'Elkjmacv'.

I guess I'm just being selfish wishing you were still stuck here on earth with the likes of me when you're now in heaven. You will truly be missed by everyone that met you. Farewell.

Alicia/sister

You never realize how much a person impacted the world until they are gone. Christa was a great sister & I know she will never be forgotten. Thank you everyone for your support, love & prayers. I know she is in a better place, but still I wish that I would've had more time with we to make sure she knew how much I loved her. Still I will say, "The Lord gives & The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of The Lord." She will always be in my heart.

Christa loved to dance. She choreographed her own dance routines and danced for the Lord. Grace, beauty, serenity, peace, gentleness, and confidence. Some words that describe her, especially when she was dancing on the stage. Now we know that she is dancing for the Lord.

Aunt Nina

Today our family lost our precious Christa! Grandpa VanDerhoof and Christa our rejoicing together before the throne of God.

Aunt Glenda

Today our precious Christa went to be with her Heavenly Father. She is now dancing before His throne! She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Uncle Dwight

If we are fortunate, we have people in our lives that love us. We are truly blessed though, if we have people in our lives that we get to deeply love. I am proud to have been the uncle of such a person. There are people that could light up a room just by entering it, you did that. There are people that can instantly give you a sense that God is in charge and all is right if you just lean on Him, you showed us that. Even across a crowded, busy room, just a calm look from you, a simple smile or a soft kind word from you would remove all fear, frustration or disappointment that I might have been carrying with me. In your small frail body I saw an inner strength that could never be overtaken. In the glow of your laugh, I would be instantly transformed into knowledge of our Lords peace and that all is well. Your creativity, insights, faithfulness, humor, gentleness, kindness and thoughtfulness makes me think that someday...... when I grow up....... I want to be just like you.
Aunt Karen

Christa,
You have much to teach us by example in your beautiful short life. As so many have already said, you were kind, compassionate, sweet, funny, talented and could bring a smile to a statue! But the thing that has really struck me is your life of sacrifice. You had 5 brothers and sisters and that required sacrifice (in a good way). You were not feeling well and I never heard you complain. So often things did not go the way you thought they should, but your quiet patience was noticed. You are even more, now, touching the lives of those who knew you and even those who did not. You are bringing people nearer to Jesus who already knew Him and maybe even some who don't know Him yet. The wonderful thing is, I believe that if you knew you would be giving up your life for ONE person to know Him, you would have chosen it. Thank you, Christa, for teaching me some very important lessons that I would have missed had you not touched my heart and my life.
I love you and will miss you very much.
Aunt Karen (Renee) :)

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

Jessica/cousin

I will miss you I guess is the first thing I should say....... (Say hi to Jesus for me k hah) I remember the good times like when we wrote cheers and entered it in to a competition! Or that time we had a joke tea party and videotaped it and you were in the middle of talking and you threw up! And the thing you said after laughing was "did we get that on video?" We didn't, but that was a good time. ( ha ha) I love you and you will be forever loved. I'm glad you're doing what you love: dancing in heaven. I'm still in complete shock that you're gone, but I know I will see you soon in heaven! But will miss you so much… till then love you beautiful! It's time for me too look up at you. I miss you and love you soo much!!! I will miss your smile and laugh. I love you!!

I have never lost someone I loved so much! You where an amazing cousin you lived to dance, cheer, and cook . Your dream was to visit Paris with your little Yorkie puppy. Your memory will forever stay while your earthly body has gone away. You were an amazing friend and truly unique. You were so strong and you loved God with all your heart; truly an inspiration for me! I love you and I miss you so much! I know you feel no pain now and cry no more tears but we will still miss you down here! I love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Nathan/ cousin

You were the best cousin in the world... we were best friends and every summer we had a new adventure. This picture just shows how happy you were on earth... and now I know why, you were the most faithful person I know and made everyone you saw smile. I know you are in heaven making God smile right now and dancing in heaven. I love you Christa and I will never forget your smile.. everyone is dealing with this differently and I am so sad and mad and confused of why this would ever happen... but I know God has a plan for everything he does "Be strong and courageous do not be afraid for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go" -Joshua 1:9.. Christa we will never forget you ever.

Christa's family would like to invite all who attend the Funeral to wear pink in her honor.

Christa is survived by her parents Eric and Lisa (Strayer); sisters, Alicia and Valerie; brothers, Matthew, Jonathan and Kevin (Rebekah) and son Eldon; grandparents, Donald and Marguerite Strayer, Barbara Vanderhoof; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday May 4, 2013 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1550 S. Poseyville Rd., Midland, with Pastors David Sarafolean and Dan Bratt officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church on Saturday from 9 am until the time of the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Right to life of Michigan.

Online condolences can be left at www.smithminer.com